News: Army Reserve sergeant motivates and leads by example

U.S. Army Sgt. Jonathan Fair with the 11th Aviation Command, competes in the two mile run portion of the Army Physical Fitness Test, during the 2013 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., June 24, 2013. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Carina Garcia/Released)

FORT McCOY, Wis. – Sgt. Jonathan Fair, 11th Aviation Command, Fort Knox, Ky., hopes that by doing the best he can during the 2013 Army Reserve Best Warrior competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., he can motivate his soldiers and inspire them to want to compete in future events.

“Soldiers such as Pfc. Joseph Potter from my unit, have inspired me and given me the motivation I need to succeed in this competition,” Fair said. “He was the junior competitor and for only being in the Army Reserve for 19 months, he is a very motivated soldier and is going to go on to do great things.”

Fair’s supervisors at Fort Knox, Ky., have been very supportive by providing him the resources and tools needed to train. He credits his Crossfit workout regiment in making him well rounded and assisting in his preparation.

Fair said he volunteered for this challenge and wants to take back the experience to the soldiers. He would like to see them step up to demanding challenges and succeed at goals, offering his guidance in leadership. Then returning as a sponsor for a soldier in next year’s competition.

“My goal here is to represent my unit and provide internal competition and motivation to the soldiers within the 11th Aviation Command,” Fair said. “For me, it serves as an azimuth check on my basic soldier skills.”

Fair, a native of Lexington, Ky., attends the University of Kentucky where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in international relations with the intention of either working for the Drug Enforcement Administration or Central Intelligence Agency.

“I can show my soldiers there are really good things in the Army Reserve and you can pursue your civilian careers and dreams and still do some really cool stuff,” Fair said. “You can’t lead soldiers if you don’t know what is going on.”

Motivation, dedication and leading by example develops new strong leaders and Fair is striving to do just that for his unit and the Army Reserve.